What is the prescribed expiation (*kaffarah*) for intentional homicide (Qatl)?
Chapter on Qasamah (Oaths regarding murder)
Al-Mughni
Book of Blood-Money (Diyyāt)
Primary text
The primary expiation for homicide is the manumission (freeing) of a believing slave, mandated by the explicit text of the Book, regardless of whether the killer or the slain was Muslim or infidel. If the killer cannot find a believing slave to free who is surplus to their needs, or if they cannot find the price for such a slave that is surplus to their sustenance, then the expiation requires fasting for two consecutive months, which is a repentance from God. This ruling is also established by explicit text.
Supporting text
If the perpetrator is unable to fast for two consecutive months, there are two narrations regarding the subsequent requirement. One narration states that the obligation of fasting remains incumbent upon them without anything further being due, because God Almighty did not mention any further requirement in the text. The second narration mandates feeding sixty poor persons, drawing an analogy to the expiation for الظهار (Zihar) and breaking the fast in Ramadan, where a feeding obligation is present alongside manumission and fasting. According to this second narration, if one is unable to provide the feeding, the obligation remains incumbent until they are able to do so. Al-Shafi'i has two opinions on this matter, corresponding to these two narrations.